Mumbai: The institution of Lokayukta in Maharashtra should be an autonomous body like the Election Commission and free from government interference, Anna Hazare said here on Thursday.

Hazare, who is in Mumbai to meet political leaders to muster support for a strong Lokayukta legislation in the state, was speaking to reporters after meeting Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray in Dadar.

Raj has expressed his willingness to support a strong and effective Lokayukta in the state, Hazare said.

Hazare and aide Suresh Pathare met the MNS president at his residence Krushna Kunj to seek his support for the legislation, aimed at curbing corruption.

"Corruption is on the rise. It has become difficult for the common man to survive due to price rise. Excessive money is spent on development," Hazare said.

An autonomous body like Lokayukta would help in curtailing corruption, Hazare said. "It should be an autonomous body like the Election Commission, High Court, and Supreme Court and there should be no government interference," he added.

Hazare lauded Raj for initiatives like conducting examination for party candidates to contest the civic body polls, held in February.

He expressed confidence that 60-65 percent corrupt activities would be curtailed because of the Lokayukta.

The veteran social activist also reiterated his demand for the `Right to Reject` a candidate during elections.

If people do not like a particular candidate there should be an option of Right to Reject, which would pave way for re-elections and purity in politics, he said.

On reports that Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray has refused to meet him, Hazare said, "If he is not meeting me, it will not affect me. I am not meeting him for my selfish interest. I am meeting him as the issue (Lokayukta) is important for the state."

Contribution and support of all political parties is needed to bring in a strong Lokayukta legislation, he said.

Terming all politicians as "bad" is not justifiable, he said.

Raj said he supports a strong Lokayukta to check corruption. "I support a strong Lokayukta in the state. Otherwise, it will be difficult to stop corruption," he said.

Hazare should pay more attention in the state rather than at the national level, Raj said.

"Most parts of western Maharashtra are facing drought and therefore I asked him to pay more attention here. The situation in the state is very bad. Politicians from western Maharashtra have failed in tackling drought in their region, the MNS head said.

The Chief Minister should also be under the ambit of Lokayukta, he said.

"What is the use of meeting dacoits to reduce dacoity," Raj said, in an apparent reference to Hazare meeting other political leaders on Lokayukta.

People like social activists Abhay Bang and Prakash Amte, should join politics, Raj said.

Raj said he won`t be sharing stage with Hazare during the latter`s statewide tour from May 1 to create awareness on Lokayukta.